Totti Declines First Roma Return Offer; Salary and Role in Dispute

Roma came close to signing Genoa defender Johan Vasquez over the summer but the transfer fell through after a change in the club's sporting director role. Ricky Massara, who was pushing the deal forward, left the club in June and was replaced by Tony D'Amico, who had worked extensively with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta. The shift in leadership altered Roma's transfer priorities entirely, with Massara's successor abandoning the pursuit of Vasquez and other targets the outgoing director had been tracking. Massara had been actively pursuing Vasquez, the Genoa captain and leader under former Roma manager Daniele De Rossi. Roma made concrete moves towards the Mexican defender and came closest to securing him among all interested clubs, despite competition from across Europe. However, Massara's exit and D'Amico's arrival ended all negotiations. The same sequence played out with other Massara targets: Kerim Alajbegovic, who subsequently joined him at Juventus, and Franck Kessie, whom Massara negotiated for on behalf of the Bianconeri. Vasquez ultimately remained at Genoa. Other clubs that had inquired about the defender included Eintracht Frankfurt, Besiktas, and Atlético Madrid, with interest also arriving from Germany, Turkey and Spain. The shift in Roma's hierarchy removed the club from consideration just as they had positioned themselves as the frontrunners for his signature.

Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio region, said institutional support for AS Roma's new stadium project at Pietralata is solid ahead of the decisive Services Conference scheduled for Monday, 28 September. Speaking on Radio Romanista, Rocca indicated that the regulatory process is on track and that once the conference concludes, construction can begin. "Once the Services Conference is closed, we start," he said. Rocca had previously raised concerns about traffic flow around Ospedale Pertini, but stressed those concerns have been addressed. He acknowledged that initial criticism centred on road access—a critical issue in Rome—but confirmed Roma's management has been attentive to the matter throughout. He expressed regret that his earlier remarks had been misunderstood, and praised the club for treating the project with responsibility. "The will of all institutions is that the stadium gets built," he said. "The company has laid all the groundwork for it to be realised. It is good that a work is being carried out that, although being a private project, is in all respects public." On traffic concerns more broadly, Rocca said: "If all conditions are respected, yes: on paper it looks like it. Then obviously the implementation of the project will be monitored and, if necessary, there can be corrections in the next phases. I hope there is this sense of responsibility. We are also helping Rome Capital with the metro C, so we will support the project so that it is realised and brings benefits to citizens. The company has positioned itself in a very constructive manner; we have never perceived any extortionist attitudes. The times for these matters are always very long, but once the Services Conference is closed, we start." When asked about the prospect of Roma hosting Euro 2024, Rocca noted the timescales are tight and the decision rests with UEFA. He also remarked that Prefect Giannini is an enthusiastic Roma supporter who hosts match-watching gatherings, and issued a rebuke toward Lazio president Lotito: "I have no relations with him, but it doesn't work. I believe that, beyond football allegiance, a president's posture cannot be one of insult or putting himself on an equal footing with fans. A president must also be a father and must know how to intercept the concerns of fans."

Lorenzo Pellegrini has emerged as Roma's key figure during the international break, remaining the only outfield player yet to feature under Gian Piero Gasperini this season. Despite six matches played, the head coach has called upon 19 of his 20 available outfield players, leaving Pellegrini absent from action. Rather than a tactical decision, the situation reflects the need for one of the club's captains to regain full fitness. Pellegrini's last appearance came in Roma's match against Pisa on 10 April. The break in league action has provided an opportunity for him to undertake specific fitness work to restore his match rhythm ahead of the resumption. Gasperini has shown strong confidence in Pellegrini, having actively pushed for his contract renewal on a fresh one-year deal. The manager's backing carries weight as Pellegrini looks to prove the decision justified. Beyond Roma, Pellegrini has his sights set on returning to the Italy squad under head coach Roberto Mancini, having been absent for two years. The international dimension adds further motivation for the 1996-born midfielder. During these opening days of the break, Pellegrini has notably increased his workload, following a preparation schedule delivered by Gasperini's staff. According to reporting from Simone Valdarchi in the Corriere della Sera, the squad rotation and forthcoming fixtures will give Pellegrini the platform to demonstrate the faith placed in him.